Mission: The West Virginia Parole Board, as part of West Virginia’s criminal justice system, makes independent, quality, conditional releases of adult offenders.  It also makes clemency recommendations to the Governor for adult offenders.  The Board contributes to the protection of society by facilitating, as appropriate, the timely integration of offenders back into society as law-abiding citizens.

Vision: The West Virginia Parole Board will be committed to a partnership with the citizens of West Virginia in promoting public safety, providing a continuum of services for offenders, coordinating victim services, and by equipping employees with access to adequate training bases upon effective intervention.  The Board will utilize a direct link with policies and procedures by incorporating agencies designed and mandated to fulfill the same fundamental principles to yield the greatest efficiency, management and productivity with a minimum amount of duplication of effort.

Mr. Foreman’s strong commitment to justice can be seen through his daily actions. He takes a very active role in the inmate interviewing process, participating frequently as an interviewing member.

The Parole Board has become increasing busy with the inmate interviewing process, because of the growth in the prison population. The West Virginia Parole Board conducted more than 4,300 interviews for calendar year 2007, including parole and revocation hearings. Board Members also conduct Executive Clemency investigations and report their findings to the Governor’s office.

Mr. Foreman brings comprehensive law enforcement background and public service experience to his current position of Parole Board Chairman.  He is a retired member of the West Virginia State Police, retiring as District Commander of the Huntington District (Cabell, Wayne and Mason counties).  During these 22 years of service in law enforcement, Mr. Foreman was known as an experienced, knowledgeable investigator, training officer and supervisor.  In addition, he worked as lead investigator on several high profile homicide and sexual assault investigations and conducted a number of special investigations requested through the court system.  

During his tenure with the West Virginia State Police, Mr. Foreman attended West Virginia State Police Academy and Marshall University. In addition, he completed several continuing law enforcement educational classes sponsored by Northwestern University and received additional yearly in-service training on updated laws and criminal activities and patterns.

Chairman Foreman’s professional affiliations include American Association of State Troopers, West Virginia Troopers’ Association, and Association of Paroling Authorities International.